Morning After Pill

Dr. Drew and Adam are huge advocates of the Morning After Pill because it prevents unwanted pregnancies! The Morning-After Pill can and does prevent hundreds of thousands of unwanted pregnancies. Pregnancies that would otherwise result in abortions or unwanted children who may very well grow up with bad parents. Dr Drew says, "I think all women of reproductive age should have Preven (Morning After Pill) in their medicine cabinets." Remember, The Morning After Pill should not be used as an alternative contraceptive, but an emergency contraceptive. What is the Morning After Pill? The Morning After Pill (also known as Emergency Contraception) is a high dosage of the birth control pill. It is designed to be used in emergency situations, up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected intercourse or in the case where the chosen contraception has failed. It is 75% effective at preventing pregnancy, with a higher effectiveness if taken within 12 - 24 hours. Where can I get the Morning After Pill? Calling 1-888-NOT-2-LATE will tell you about the closet clinic or doctor who will prescribe them. Or contact your local Planned Parenthood (1-800-230-PLAN), they are a leading provider of emergency contraception. A prescription is required because there are risks involved! Do not take a friends pills, and do not take any abnormal doses of your current birth control medication without consulting a physician or health care professional! You can harm your body if you do not follow a professional's advice. Many doctors and clinics also provide "just-in-case" emergency contraception kits to keep at home so you can avoid the hassle of getting to a doctor and wasting valuable time if you ever need to the morning after pill. How is the morning-after pill taken? The morning-after pill must be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected intercourse; for maximum effectiveness, however, it should be taken within the first 12-24 hours. Normally you are given two pills which are to be taken immediately and two to be taken 12 hours later. If you experience vomiting within 2 hours of taking the pills, then two more pills should be taken. It may be a good idea to take an anti-nausea drug before taking the pills. Please consult with your physician or local birth control center. If you do not have your period in the next three weeks then be sure to have a pregnancy test done How safe is it? The morning-after pill can be an unpleasant experience. Many women who take the pill experience severe stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting. Women who have taken the pill have described it as similar to having a really bad stomach flu which can last from 4-48 hours. But Dr. Drew says "Don't let this be an excuse not to use emergency contraception." and "Be aware that your doctor can prescribe anti-nausea medicine at the same time to treat this side effect should it occur." Serious as well as minor side effects may occur. Serious risks include blood clots, strokes and heart attacks. If you smoke and are over 35, the risks of serious side effects are higher. Women should tell their doctor or other healthcare professional if they smoke before taking emergency contraceptive pills. If the combination of hormones does not prevent pregnancy, they may harm the fetus, and you should consider the possibility of having to have an abortion should the method fail. See your doctor or birth control counselor for help making the decision. How does it work? The pill slows the speed at which the egg travels through the fallopian tube, and changes the uterine lining so that the egg cannot attach itself to the uteral wall. The uteral lining sloughs off, either taking the egg with it or making the uterus inhospitable to the egg.

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